"So, just, take it in slowly. We have all the time in the world right now."

Somehow, despite the craziness of the events of the previous days, what Ren Amamiya just learned dwarfed all of them.

Ren sat in one of the café booths, clutching a steaming cup of coffee.

Across from him was John Kaplan.

Several moments ago.

" WHAT. THE. FUCK ." Ren screeched in his mind. It was understandable, he was experiencing things no high schooler has ever before, all at the same time.

Ren grabbed a kitchen knife from the dishrack, twirling the knife into a combat grip, as if he was still in the metaverse.

Kaplan took notice of how the teen held it, as if he had trained in knife combat before.

"What do you want with me? What did you do with the real Sojiro. Is he even real?" Ren barked. "I want answers."

"Relax, the real Sojiro is in a safehouse, far away from here." Kaplan answered.

"Listen, I know you're freaked out…. I can answer your questions… I need you to relax and put down the knife." Kaplan instructed.

Ren reacted by clutching the weapon tighter.

"We can talk this out over a hot drink, like civilized people." Kaplan told the teen. "Or we can do it this way, with you soaked, scared, and backed into this corner."

Ren hesitantly put the knife into his pocket.

"Good." Kaplan sighed. He moved to the coffee machine and flipped it on.

"Sit." He instructed Ren, directing him to one of the booths.

Ren cautiously obeyed,

".. Let's get this out of the way," Kaplan declared. "I am an intelligence officer, in layman's terms..".

"A spy."

Ren broke into laughter, both out of tension and the absurdity of the situation at hand.

"Who do you work for?" The teen asked, wiping tears from his eyes.

" This is fucking insane." Ren thought.

"I work for the government of the United States.". Kaplan explained, nonchalantly. "Unofficially. Officially, John Kaplan died twenty years ago, in retirement."

"I'm sorry you've been dragged into this." Kaplan continued. "I was sent here on behalf of the actual Sojiro, and, well, to keep up my cover, I did everything he would have, including taking you in."

"..Why Sojiro?". Ren stammered. "Why his persona?"

"No one has seen the man publicly for almost a decade." Kaplan answered. "He was cooperative with us, and allowed us to use his identity in exchange for protection."

The spy returned with the drinks.

"I know your next question;" Kaplan spoke before the teen could. "Why has Sojiro Sakura gone into hiding? He's being targeted. The thing is we don't know who."

"...If he's being targeted… Why are you pretending to be him." Ren spoke.

"You know how a good trap needs a bait?" Kaplan told Ren. "That's what I'm here for." He said, gesturing to himself. "Plus, we don't need to set up paperwork, and we have plenty of people that can verify his existence. Better than the Russian method of cemetery trawling."

"Plus, a good disguise is layered. Sojiro already took matters into his own hands before us, he moved to this cafe from his government job. They already need to find where the man is hiding. Last thing they'll expect is the man to not be him."

Ren took a long gulp of coffee.

"So, just, take it in slowly. We have all the time in the world right now." Kaplan puffed on his cigarette.

"Actually, why are you telling me all this?" Ren rubbed his stinging eyes. "Aren't spies supposed to silence people?" He challenged.

"Well, only specific, specialized members of us go for assassination, and we draw the line with children. You especially, which brings me to our next point of contention".

The spy gave Ren his last surprise of the day.

"Let's talk about the metaverse. Ren Amamiya."

"Or would you prefer Joker?". The spy smirked to Ren's chagrin.

"Tell me, how long have you been using it?"

"Two days." Ren adjusted his glasses. He had already begun accepting everything. "When I was getting to Tokyo, I found this weird red app on my phone-".

"Show me. I promise I just want to see the icon."

Ren complied, unlocking his phone and giving the spy a quick glance.

"So it really did just pop up outta nowhere, huh." The spy remarked.

"I wonder what fuck up the Otdeleniye did to cause this."

"Continue, I know you learned about the palaces and what-not." Kaplan told Ren.

After a tense but cordial pseudo-interrogation, the spy took stock of what Ren had learned about the metaverse, sizing the teen up.

Kaplan knew Ren was not your normal teen, and the spy saw potential in him.

"... Let's get to the point." Kaplan decided, piquing the teen's attention. "I need you to listen to me very carefully on this, okay?"

"...So how do you think the metaverse came to be?". Kaplan asked the teen. "What do you think, divine creation? Something supernatural?".

"The latter two, would be my guess." Ren voiced his opinion.

"Au contraire," Kaplan replied. "The metaverse is not the work of a god, spirit, or any other..".

"It was the product of a United States Military project initiated by the Reagan Administration in 1987, as part of the Reagan doctrine."

" Of course it is." Ren thought, as if things couldn't get stranger.

"In short, the metaverse is a weapon. We intended it to subvert and "roll back" Communist regimes and other threats to the United States."

"Where are you going with this…" Ren spoke, slowly realizing the full potential of the metaverse.

"Well, as you know, the metaverse is a… tangible manifestation of one's cognition." The spy drawled. "We could carry out assassinations without needing to be physically present with little or no evidence. We can use it to identify terrorists, fifth columnists, and well, you name it kid."

"Or we can use it.. to "change" the mind of say, world leaders, to be more accommodating to us."

"However, the Soviet Union collapsed in the nineties, without them, there was no more justification, and plus, it was very, very experimental. Funding was pulled, and research stopped. By the time the War on Terror opened up, we felt computers and more conventional weapons had advanced enough that they would suffice."

"That still doesn't explain why I have it." Ren voiced his opinion.

"I'll be honest, I'm not sure either, but we have a few theories and ideas. I'll get to that." The spy explained. "May I continue?".

Ren nodded, and Kaplan spoke again.

"In the 80s, we were plagued by moles and double agents of the Soviet Moscow Center; they go by the Otdeleniye these days."

"Somehow, the Russians got a hold of our metaverse project, or Project SEELE as it was known. We managed to get a source that suggests so, at least. The recent string of violent incidents and accidents all but confirms it." Kaplan pointed at the radio.

"Why Japan?". Ren asked. "Tokyo seems to be the only place suffering these problems."

"We're not sure, but it would explain why you have it. We believe the Russian objective to be twofold: A testing ground for use in Europe, and the "neutralization" of Japan."

"...What do you mean by "neutralization"?". Ren asked, a concerned tone was growing into his voice.

"There are seven major U.S. military bases in mainland Japan, and thirty two on Okinawa." Kaplan took another drag. "Established after the end of the Second World War, they've seen heavy use in the Korean and Vietnam wars, along with acting as forward operating bases in case of war with China or Russia."

"Without them, there is nothing to stop Chinese or Russian navies from unfettered access to the pacific ocean, and no easy way to defend U.S. allies or interests in the area."

"Plus, Japan technically has no army, only a self defense force. If the Russians can put, say, a politician more amicable to them or hostile to the U.S. in power…".

"...I see what you're saying now.." Ren rubbed his temples.

"Anyways, I want to change the subject." The spy said. "This is where our interest in you comes in."

"Do suspense is killing me." Ren deadpanned.

"I have been observing you for a while now; Ren Amamiya." Kaplan smirked. "And, I have an offer for you."

"Because you have access to the metaverse, and demonstrated so much potential there and well, you found out I'm a spy.."

"How would you like to work for me as an agent?"

Ren was highly skeptical. "What do I get?"

"Not getting targeted by my organization, help against that Kamoshida fella-"

"And payment."

"How much?" Ren pressed.

"We'll start with five grand."

"Yen?"

"U.S. dollars."

"You're joking."

"I'm not the Joker here."

Ren Amamiya woke up in the back of an old, worn Toyota.

"Ugh!". The teen groaned, sitting up, dazed and disoriented.

"Where am I?". Ren thought. Looking outside from the car windows, he found he was on the route to Shujin academy.

"Good, you're finally awake." A voice came from the driver's seat.

Ren spun towards the front of the car. A smirk and a pair of sunglasses looked at Ren through the rearview mirror.

"So it did happen last night." Ren remarked, staring out.

"Damn right." The spy answered. "About an hour before school starts. I advise you to wash up for the day. I put your stuff in the trunk.'

"...Did you put me in the car?" Ren questioned, having no recollection of boarding the vehicle.

"I figured you'd need the extra sleep." Kaplan simply responded. "You remember our agreement?".

"...Y-yeah. How could I not?". The teen answered. "So.. I'm assuming we have more to talk after school?".

"Correct." Kaplan returned. "Several ground rules for today."

"One. Do not tell any of your friends that know about the metaverse about last night. There will be consequences for you and them if you do. I'd tell you to do the same with anyone else, but they'd probably ask what you're high on."

"Two. Do not act suspicious around Kamoshida, keep a low profile." The spy advised. "If you give him any hint that you're going after him for his crimes, or something is up, he will act…unpredictably. Last thing we need is you charged with another crime."

"Understood." Ren sighed.

"Excellent." Kaplan spoke as he pulled up by Shujin. "We're here."

"Amamiya Ren!." A voice came from the front of the classroom.

"Yes Ms. Kawakami?". Ren snapped from his thoughts.

"When did the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics dissolve?". The teacher asked.

"December twenty five, nineteen ninety one." He replied smoothly.

"Correct." Kawakami confirmed. "With the collapse of the USSR, The United States had effectively-".

"HOLY SHIT! SHE"S GONNA JUMP!".

The entire class turned to the source of the voice from the hall.

"Shiho?...". A shaky voice uttered.

Ren turned to find Ann Takamaki frozen with growing horror.

"Everyone stay in your seats!." Kawakami tried to keep order, but it was in vain.

Soon, everyone spilled out into the hall.

A figure of a young woman was standing on the higher levels of the school.

Chatter and conversation filled the air.

And then she jumped.

A sickening silence followed the impact.

" No….why.." Ann whispered. Tears were streaming from her eyes now.

And then she ran off, Ren could only presume to Shiho, out into the cold.

"It wasn't just me or Suzui either, he'd just nominate someone when he was in a bad mood, and hit them."

Ren and Ryuji took in Mishima's words, one of Kamoshida's victims. In fact, he had been on the receiving end of a volleyball directly spiked into his face.

"The physical punishment is real then." Ryuji realized. "That bastard!"

As Mishima continued to list Kamoshida's crimes, Ryuji only grew enraged, which Ren took note.

"THAT SON OF A BITCH!". Ryuji finally bellowed, and moved to confront the man.

"WAIT! WAIT! HOLD ON!" Recalling the spy's advice, Ren suddenly raised his voice, to the surprise of both Mishima and Ryuji.

"What do you mean, hold on?". A distressed Ryuji asked, his voice still strained with rage.

Ren quickly searched for a reply.

"...Rushing in and accusing him won't do any good." Ren began, trying to de-escalate the situation . "He's gotten away for this long, don't you think other people did what you're trying to do?"

"What do you wanna do then?". Ryuji retorted. "Leave him alone, pretend everything is fine!?".

"No." Ren spoke with a firm and unwavering tone. "We make a plan to take him down. Approach this strategically."

" And also I have a guy that can help me." Ren added mentally.

"W-What plan then? What can we do?". Mishima meekly spoke from the corner.

"...We gather evidence." Ren replied, trying to conceal the uncertainty in his voice. He was improvising everything. "We catch him in the act."

"How'd you suppose we do that?" Ryuji countered.

"I'm working it out." Ren replied. It was a partial lie. "I… uh, know a guy that can help us."

"Who is this guy then?". Ryuji said, skepticism creeping into his voice.

"A family friend. He's got some friends with the media." Ren lied.

This seemed to ease the other two's suspicion.

Soon, the school PA system erupted with an order to return to class.

"Meet me later. We need to talk." Ryuji shot a look at Ren.

Once Ren and Mishima were gone, Ren whipped out his cellphone,

And selected 'Sojiro's' number.

John Kaplan was reviewing reports and information from his superiors.

The list of financiers and bank accounts had been processed, and targets were being supplied to operatives and agents, with Kaplan receiving two to begin with.

"Ichiryusai Madarame"

"Junya Kaneshiro"

The plan was to "retire" these two low level financiers to provoke reactions from Russian assets and aligned groups in Japan, then target them once they could be identified as a result.

Furthermore, the emergence of PROJEKT METAVSELENNAYA had caused great unrest within the British Circus and American Circuit, causing a mass diversion of resources to counter the new threat.

So far, Kaplan had received much commendation and resources for his information on Ren and the metaverse. This information, this treasure, was worth more than gold. It had to be concealed and quieted, lest it the Otdeleniye discover.

It was incredibly dubious that the current centerpiece of operations on the metaverse was built on an untrained sixteen year old, with a criminal record no less, but Kaplan had an impressive track record and was a veteran operative, so his superiors trusted his judgement.

Plus, Ren Amamiya had potential. He could easily be molded into the perfect agent. Kaplan had spent the entire time posing as Sojiro assessing the teen. Sure, the spy had "accidentally" left information that he was not Sojiro out, but others would not have discovered what Ren could in two days.

Kaplan was working on his other agent, planning the next assignment for her, and then his phone rang.

"Hello? Café Le Carré?". He greeted, checking that the line was secure.

"Uhh, hey, Kaplan, it's me.." A familiar voice called.

"There's no Kaplan here. This is Sojiro speaking."

"Ah yes! Sojiro." the voice quickly snapped.

"Yes kid, what's up?". Kaplan greeted Ren.

"I need your help, it's about Kamoshida."

"I'm all ears, kid." The spy switched to a serious tone. "I just saw the news."

"I need help with a plan to stop him." Ren spoke rapidly. "I know we can use the metaverse, but that might go on too slow."

"Relax kid, I have several ideas," the spy assured him. "I've heard a bit about him, mainly through the tracking device on you the other day."

"Not too fond of being eavesdropped on, but if you can help, then I'll suck it up." Ren answered.

"Alright, alright, anyways, from what I've heard, this Kamoshida fella is a depraved sex offender. That already means we have several avenues to attack him. Of course, we keep this covert."

"One. we use the metaverse. It's risky, and unproven, but you seem to be doing okay with it. The drawbacks are what you said."

"Two. We gather evidence of his crimes, then expose him. Overlaps a bit with three."

"Three. He likes to blackmail students for sex? We blackmail him back. Classic tactic for people in my profession. We need to gather blackmail material though, and I'll explain how we do that."

"We can do a combination if you'd like."

"Combo." Ren decided.

"Very well." Came the reply.

"We'll discuss option one and three later, but I'll begin with two."

"I have several listening devices, like the one that was planted on you. If you can put one into his office, and make him say something incriminating, well, you get the idea."

"How you get those in there, I can help, but it's up to you to figure it out."

"Three, this is the spicy one. Generally, the best blackmail is related to sex. Nude photos, sleeping with a mistress, you name it, but we can also manufacture false evidence and use that against him. Given he is a former Olympian, we have a bit to work with. Again, this is incredibly complex, I'll discuss with you in person."

"For both of these two, I would highly recommend connecting with that girl you spoke with, Ann I believe it was. She can give more insight." The spy advised.

"Right, right, I see." Ren spoke. "I assume I'm alone on one?".

"Not quite, I'll give support as much as I can, but we are going in blind here."

"Thanks." Ren's voice came through the phone.

"No worries. By the way, when is your lunch break? I can pop by." The spy offered.

"...I guess you do have this thought out." Ryuji admitted after hearing Ren list several plans of action.

"See? Ye of little faith." Ren snarked.

"Hey! I finally found you!". A voice came from behind as the two walked on the school roof.

"A cat?". Ryuji questioned after seeing a black feline, but no person. The two continued to scan for the source of the voice.

"...HEY I'M RIGHT HERE!". Morgana yelled louder, scaring the living daylights from them.

"M-Morgana!?". Ryuji realized. "The cat's talking!?".

"Yes! You still owe me for helping you! How dare you leave me!". The cat continued, obviously frustrated. "I heard everything you two were saying."

"What, you got a phone too?". Ren asked. "Hidden in that fur somewhere?".

"Nah, don't need 'em at my level." Morgana replied. "Those plans sound pretty intricate."

"But, I can help you more with the metaverse." The cat offered.

"Well, I know it can do.. Something to a person." Ren recalled Kaplan's words about the metaverse. "I'm open to what you've got."

"Great!" The cat spoke, before beginning a long, and lengthy explanation on palaces and hearts.

Things were looking well. They now had three fleshed out options to strike back at Kamoshida.

"So we're in agreement, then." Ren finished. "Is everyone clear?"

"Yep." The cat and fake blonde confirmed.

Reaching to his back pocket, Ren discreetly checked the recording device in his pocket that Kaplan had given him during lunch, so that the spy could help monitor the operation.

"Hey, I think someone's coming." Morgana announced, his ears perking up.

The three turned to face the arrival.

"Ah, Ann, it's good to see you, we were just talking about you." Ren began before the girl could even speak.

"...I know you're planning to do something with Kamoshida." Ann began, with a firm tone. "Let me in on it."

"Let you in? Oh, we're gonna make an offer you can't refuse!". Ryuji boasted.

"Ann Takamaki." Ren smirked.

"How would you like a little vengeance?"

So, the truth of the metaverse is revealed, and Ren might not need to worry about finances for the rest of his days. Will they find his weakness with the Goldeneyes of their personas and bring Kamoshida to his knees, or will tradecraft and espionage prevail.

Again, much of the normal game will be abridged or re arranged to fit the story.

-Joesephi